Greater Houston Partnership releases a snapshot of the city's economy

By Compiled by Ebony C. Fleming

on April 9, 2015 4:37 PM

Photo: Anthony Totah

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Every month, the Greater Houston Partnership releases facts and figures of the area's economic trends in great detail. See some of the most impressive facts compiled in GHP's "Economy at a Glance" publication about the Houston-area's growth and a few matters of concern.

The Houston metro area led the nation in population growth last year,
adding nearly 157,000 residents. Since the April ’10 census, Houston has added nearly
570,000 residents, the largest gain of any U.S. metro over that period.

The Houston metro area led the nation in population growth last year,
adding nearly 157,000 residents. Since the April ’10 census, Houston has added nearly
570,000 residents, the largest gain of any U.S. ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

The Houston metro area led the nation in population growth last... Photo-6504085.107211 - Houston Chronicle

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Nearly 400,000 babies were born in Houston between April ’10 and July
’14. Subtract the approximately 150,000 deaths over the same period and “natural increase”
added 250,000 residents to Houston’s population.

Nearly 400,000 babies were born in Houston between April ’10 and July
’14. Subtract the approximately 150,000 deaths over the same period and “natural increase”
added 250,000 residents to Houston’s ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Nearly 400,000 babies were born in Houston between April ’10 and... Photo-7338793.107211 - Houston Chronicle

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Every county in the Houston metro area experienced population growth
since April ’10. Approximately half of the newcomers to the region settled in Harris County and one-fourth in Fort Bend.

Every county in the Houston metro area experienced population growth
since April ’10. Approximately half of the newcomers to the region settled in Harris County and one-fourth in Fort ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Staff

Every county in the Houston metro area experienced population... Photo-7683539.107211 - Houston Chronicle

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Mining and logging, which includes
oil and gas extraction and
support activities, reached 115,500
jobs in December 2014, marking the
sector’s highest level of employment
on record. Since then, employment
declined by 2,000 jobs to
113,500 in February 2015.

Mining and logging, which includes
oil and gas extraction and
support activities, reached 115,500
jobs in December 2014, marking the
sector’s highest level of employment
on record. Since then, employment ... more

Durable goods manufacturing,
which represents machinery and
equipment used in production activities,
fell from a historic high of
177,500 jobs in December 2014 to 173,100 in February 2015. This sector will remain vulnerable
to job cuts as energy sector capital expenditures shrink and rig counts continue to
fall.

Durable goods manufacturing,
which represents machinery and
equipment used in production activities,
fell from a historic high of
177,500 jobs in December 2014 to 173,100 in February 2015. This sector will ... more

Baker Hughes reports the number of rigs working in North America... Photo-7411016.107211 - Houston Chronicle

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After a record-setting year in 2014, the Houston
Airport System started the new year
strong, handling a total of 7.98 million passengers
in the first two months of 2015. This activity
represents a 2.3 percent increase from the 7.80
million passengers handled in the same period
last year.

After a record-setting year in 2014, the Houston
Airport System started the new year
strong, handling a total of 7.98 million passengers
in the first two months of 2015. This activity
represents a 2.3 ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, For The Chronicle

After a record-setting year in 2014, the Houston
Airport System... Photo-7128967.107211 - Houston Chronicle

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Houston-area auto dealers sold 27,877 vehicles in February 2015, a 15.5
percent decrease from the 32,985 sold February 2014, according to TexAuto Facts, published
by InfoNation, Inc. of Sugar Land.

Sales for the first two months of 2015 (10,438 homes) were down 2.8 percent
compared to the same period last year (10,740 homes). While two months don’t
make a trend, the data suggest a slowing from the hectic pace of sales Houston experienced
over the past few years.

Sales for the first two months of 2015 (10,438 homes) were down 2.8 percent
compared to the same period last year (10,740 homes). While two months don’t
make a trend, the data suggest a slowing from the ... more

Photo: Chronicle File

Sales for the first two months of 2015 (10,438 homes) were down 2.8... Photo-2940130.107211 - Houston Chronicle

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For the 12 months ending February 2015, construction permitting in
the City of Houston totaled $8.9 billion, up from $8. 7 billion in January 2015.

Houston has led
the nation in exports two years in a
row,... Photo-5840498.107211 - Houston Chronicle

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RigData reports that 11,819 U.S. wells (onshore and offshore) were permitted in in the first quarter of 2015,
down 37.0 percent from the 18,772 permits issued at the same time last year. The firm also reports that
6,830 wells were started the first three months of this year, down 29.3 percent from 9,651
started in same period last year.

RigData reports that 11,819 U.S. wells (onshore and offshore) were permitted in in the first quarter of 2015,
down 37.0 percent from the 18,772 permits issued at the same time last year. The firm also reports ... more